U.S. patent application number 11/359112 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for self-aligning optical connector and method for using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to Thomas L. Weaver.
Application Number | 20070196052 11/359112 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37899166 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070196052 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weaver; Thomas L. |
August 23, 2007 |
Self-aligning optical connector and method for using the same
Abstract
A self-aligning connector for connecting fiber-optic cables
including a first component connected to a first cable of the
cables during use of the connector and a second component connected
to the first component and a second cable of the cables during use
of the connector. The connector further includes an optomechanical
element positioned adjacent and between the first component and the
second component during use of the connector. The optomechanical
element includes a photosensitive material that changes a dimension
when exposed to light during use of the connector and a portion of
the optomechanical element protrudes into a light path passing
through the connector when the first component and the second
component are misaligned. The optomechanical element changes the
dimension and moves the second component with respect to the first
component to align the connector when the protruding portion is
exposed to the light during use of the connector.
Inventors: |
Weaver; Thomas L.; (Webster
Groves, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEE & HAYES, PLLC
421 W. RIVERSIDE AVE.
SUITE 500
SPOKANE
WA
99201
US
|
Assignee: |
The Boeing Company
|
Family ID: |
37899166 |
Appl. No.: |
11/359112 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/58 ;
385/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/381 20130101;
G02B 6/3873 20130101; G02B 6/3825 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/058 ;
385/075 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38 |
Claims
1. A self-aligning connector for connecting fiber-optic cables
comprising: a first component connected to a first cable of said
cables during use of the connector; a second component connected to
the first component and a second cable of said cables during use of
the connector; and an optomechanical element positioned adjacent
and between said first component and said second component during
use of the connector, said optomechanical element including a
photosensitive material that changes a dimension when exposed to
light during use of the connector, a portion of the optomechanical
element protruding into a light path passing through the connector
when the first component and the second component are misaligned,
wherein the optomechanical element changes a dimension and moves
said second component with respect to said first component to align
the connector when said protruding portion is exposed to the light
during use of the connector.
2. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
optomechanical element includes photosensitive nanotubes embedded
in an elastomeric material.
3. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
optomechanical element changes the dimension when exposed to light
having a wavelength between about 650 nm and about 690 nm.
4. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
dimension of said optomechanical element remains substantially the
same when the element is exposed to light having a wavelength of
between about 1,500 nm and about 1,600 nm.
5. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
first component is an end of said first cable and said second
component is an end of said second cable.
6. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
first component of the connector is formed separately from said
first cable and said second component is formed separately from
said second cable.
7. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said
first component includes a recess having an edge; said second
component includes a projection; and said optomechanical element
includes a cavity positioned around said projection and a periphery
positioning adjacent said edge.
8. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 7 wherein said
projection has a height that is greater than a depth of said
recess.
9. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 7 wherein: said
projection has a radius that varies between a top of the projection
and a bottom of the projection; said recess is generally round;
said cavity is generally circular; said periphery is generally
circular; and said cavity is positioned around said projection and
said periphery is positioned adjacent said edge.
10. A self-aligning connector as set forth in claim 7 wherein: the
optomechanical element has a radial thickness extending between the
cavity and the periphery; and the protruding portion shrinks when
exposed to light during use of the cables and connector, thereby
decreasing said radial thickness adjacent the protruding portion
and allowing the radial thickness opposite the protruding portion
to increase and push the projection to align the connector.
11. A fiber-optic system including: a first cable through which
light is transmitted; a connector attached to the first cable for
receiving and transmitting said light and including an
optomechanical element made of a photosensitive material that
changes a dimension when exposed to light; and a second cable
attached to said connector opposite said first cable for receiving
and transmitting said light; wherein a portion of the
optomechanical element protrudes into a path of said light when the
connector is misaligned during operation of the system; and wherein
the optomechanical element changes the dimension to align the
connector when said protruding portion of the element is exposed to
the light during operation of the system.
12. A fiber-optic system as set forth in claim 11 wherein: said
transmitted light includes light having a signal wavelength and
light having a control wavelength; said optomechanical element has
the dimension that changes when the element is exposed to said
light having said control wavelength but remains substantially the
same when the element is exposed to said light having a signal
wavelength; and said optomechanical element changes the dimension
to align the connector when said protruding portion of the element
is exposed to said light having said control wavelength.
13. A method for connecting fiber-optic cables using a
self-aligning connector comprising: providing a first component of
the connector; providing a second component of the connector for
attachment to said first component; providing an optomechanical
element including a photosensitive material that changes a
dimension when exposed to light; positioning the optomechanical
element adjacent said first component of the connector; and
positioning the optomechanical element adjacent said second
component of the connector.
14. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein: said first component
includes a recess having an edge; said second component includes a
projection; said optomechanical element includes a cavity; the step
of positioning the optomechanical element adjacent the first
component includes positioning the optomechanical element in said
recess; and the step of positioning the optomechanical element
adjacent the second end includes positioning the cavity around said
projection.
15. A method as set forth in claim 13 further comprising exposing
the optomechanical element to light to change the dimension of the
element after the step of positioning the optomechanical element
adjacent the second component of the connector and before the step
of positioning the optomechanical element adjacent the first
component of the connector.
16. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said first component
is an end of a first cable of said cables and said second component
is an end of a second cable of said cables and the method further
comprises attaching said first cable to said second cable using a
fastener.
17. A method as set forth in claim 13 further comprising:
connecting said first component of the connector to a first cable
of said cables; connecting said second component of the connector
to a second cable of said cables; and attaching said first cable to
said second cable using a fastener.
18. A method for aligning cables in a fiber-optic system
comprising: providing a first cable of said cables; providing a
second cable of said cables for attachment to said first cable;
providing a connector including a first component connected to the
first cable, an optomechanical element including a photosensitive
material connected to said first component, and a second component
connected to said first component, said optomechanical element, and
said second cable; and transmitting light through said first cable
to the connector along a light path; wherein a portion of the
optomechanical element protrudes into the path of light when the
connector is misaligned; and wherein the element changes a
dimension and moves said second component with respect to said
first component to align the connector when said protruding portion
of the optomechanical element is exposed to the light.
19. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein: the first component
of the connector includes a recess having an outer edge; the second
component of the connector includes a projection; the
optomechanical element has a cavity positioned around said
projection of the second component and has a periphery positioned
adjacent said recess edge; the element has a radial thickness
extending between the cavity and the periphery; and the protruding
portion shrinks when exposed to the light thereby decreasing said
radial thickness adjacent the protruding portion and allowing the
radial thickness opposite the protruding portion to increase and
push the projection to align the connector.
20. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein: the step of
transmitting light includes transmitting light having a signal
wavelength and light having a control wavelength; and said
optomechanical element has a dimension that changes when the
element is exposed to said light having the control wavelength
light but remains substantially the same when the element is
exposed to said light having the signal wavelength.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to optical connectors and,
more particularly, to self-aligning optical connectors.
[0002] Fiber-optic data networks include cables through which data
signals are transmitted. The cables usually include glass and
transmit light signals. Adjacent fiber-optic cables in these
networks are joined by connectors and must be accurately aligned to
ensure the data signals properly propagate from cable to cable.
Thus, the connectors must hold the cables from becoming misaligned.
Keeping adjacent cables aligned is especially difficult under
severe conditions. For example, aerospace applications may expose
networks to vibration, contamination, and extreme temperatures.
Such conditions often result in cable misalignment when
conventional connectors are used. Detachment and reconnection of
conventional connectors, such as during cable replacement or
connector maintenance, can also lower the ability of the connectors
to hold adjacent cables within desired tolerance levels.
[0003] Some fiber-optic networks require very tight tolerance
connectors to ensure data signals are properly transmitted through
the connectors. For example, single-mode fiber-optic networks
generally require tighter tolerance connections than multimode
fiber-optic networks. Fiber-optic cables generally include a
cladding surrounding a central core through which data signals are
transmitted. In single-mode fiber-optic networks, a single
high-strength signal is transmitted generally down the center of
the core. In multimode fiber-optic networks, multiple signals are
simultaneously transmitted through the core.
[0004] Although some or most of the signals transmitted through the
cable in a multimode network may travel along a center of the core,
at least some of the signals will propagate along paths other than
directly down the center. Claddings are generally made of a
material having a lower index of refraction than that of the core
so that signals propagating toward the cladding are refracted or
bent away from the cladding. Off-center signals are refracted back
and forth as they move along the cable. Multimode networks can
operate with looser connection tolerances because many or most of
the multiple signals being transmitted through the cables can
usually pass through the connector even if some are stopped.
Multimode networks produce relatively low quality output data for
at least two reasons. A first reason is that because the signals
move through the cable along various paths, the signals will
invariably arrive at the destination at various times. Thus, the
terminating sensor or device must arrange the time-spaced signals
together to form the resulting data. A second reason for low
quality output in multimode systems is that many of the signals may
get impeded at very loose joints between adjacent cables.
Therefore, even with multi-mode fiber-optic networks, quality
connectors are needed to ensure proper joint alignment.
[0005] Data is generally transmitted more accurately through
single-mode fiber-optic networks because terminal devices only
receive one signal and, thus, do not need to piece together
multiple dispersed signals to form the data. However, because only
a single signal stream is transmitted, it is imperative that the
signals are not impeded as they travel through the network.
Accordingly, the cables must be joined together within a very tight
tolerance to ensure the signals pass through the joint.
Conventional connectors exist that can maintain a relatively tight
tolerance connection, but only under gentle conditions.
Conventional connectors also exist that can withstand severe
conditions, but can only maintain a loose connection. Connectors
are needed that can keep fiber-optic cables aligned within very
tight tolerances under severe conditions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a self-aligning connector
for connecting fiber-optic cables including a first component
connected to a first cable of the cables during use of the
connector and a second component connected to the first component
and a second cable of the cables during use of the connector. The
connector further includes an optomechanical element positioned
adjacent and between the first component and the second component
during use of the connector. The optomechanical element includes a
photosensitive material that changes a dimension when exposed to
light during use of the connector and a portion of the
optomechanical element protrudes into a light path passing through
the connector when the first component and the second component are
misaligned. The optomechanical element changes the dimension and
moves the second component with respect to the first component to
align the connector when the protruding portion is exposed to the
light during use of the connector.
[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
fiber-optic system including a first cable through which light is
transmitted and a connector attached to the first cable for
receiving and transmitting the light. The connector includes an
optomechanical element made of a photosensitive material that
changes a dimension when exposed to light. The fiber-optic system
further includes a second cable attached to the connector opposite
the first cable for receiving and transmitting the light. A portion
of the optomechanical element protrudes into a path of the light
when the connector is misaligned during operation of the system and
the optomechanical element changes the dimension to align the
connector when the protruding portion of the element is exposed to
the light during operation of the system.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a
method for connecting fiber-optic cables using a self-aligning
connector. The method includes providing a first component of the
connector, providing a second component of the connector for
attachment to the first component, and providing an optomechanical
element including a photosensitive material that changes a
dimension when exposed to light. The method further includes
positioning the optomechanical element adjacent the first component
of the connector and positioning the optomechanical element
adjacent the second component of the connector.
[0009] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a
method for aligning cables in a fiber-optic system including
providing a first cable of the cables and providing a second cable
of the cables for attachment to the first cable. The method further
includes providing a connector including a first component
connected to the first cable, an optomechanical element including a
photosensitive material connected to the first component, and a
second component connected to the first component, the
optomechanical element, and the second cable. The method also
includes transmitting light through the first cable to the
connector along a light path. A portion of the optomechanical
element protrudes into the path of light and the element changes a
dimension and moves the second component with respect to the first
component to align the connector when the connector is misaligned
and the protruding portion of the optomechanical element is exposed
to the light.
[0010] Other aspects of the present invention will be in part
apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a self-aligning connector
according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first component, an
electromechanical element, and a second component of the
connector.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the first component, the
electromechanical element, and the second component of the
connector.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side cross section of the connector.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a side cross section of the connector when it is
misaligned.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a side cross section of the connector while it is
aligning itself.
[0017] FIG. 5C is a side cross section of the connector after it
has aligned itself.
[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring to the figures, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a
self-aligning optical connector according to the present invention
is designated in its entirety by reference number 10. The connector
10 joins two adjacent cables 12, 14. Each cable 12, 14 has a
cladding 16, 18 surrounding a core 20, 22 through which light
signals (not shown) are transmitted. The claddings 16, 18 and cores
20, 22 may be made of various materials without departing from the
scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, each cladding
16,18 is made of a material having a lower index of refraction than
an index of refraction of a material the corresponding core 20, 22
is made of. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a
higher index of refraction core 20, 22 keeps the light signals
within the core because signals propagating to the cladding 16, 18
at less than a critical angle with respect to an interface between
the cladding and the core will be refracted or bent back toward the
core. Although the claddings 16, 18 and cores 20, 22 may have other
indexes of refraction without departing from the scope of the
present invention, in one embodiment the cores have an index of
refraction of between about 1.46 and about 1.48 and the claddings
have an index of refraction of between about 1.44 and about 1.46.
The claddings 16, 18 and cores 20, 22 may include glass. In one
embodiment, each core 20, 22 includes doped glass, such as glass
doped with germanium. Although the cores 20, 22 may have other
diameters, in one embodiment each core has a diameter 24 of between
about 3 micrometers and about 10 micrometers. Although the
claddings 20, 22 may have other outer diameters 26, in one
embodiment each cladding has an outer diameter of between about 15
micrometers and about 80 micrometers.
[0020] The connector 10 includes a first component 28, a second
component 30, and an optomechanical element 32 positioned adjacent
and between the components when the connector is assembled. The
optomechanical element 32 includes a photosensitive material that
changes at least one dimension when exposed to light. Further, in
some embodiments, the material changes shape when exposed to light.
The first component 28 is connected to a first cable 12 of the two
fiber-optic cables and the second component 30 is connected to a
second cable 14 of the two cables. The components 28, 30 are joined
to connect the cables 12, 14 during use of the connector 10. The
first and second components 28, 30 may be formed integrally with or
separately from their corresponding cables 12, 14. That is, the
first component 28 may be formed as an integral end of the first
cable 12 or formed separately from the first cable and then
attached thereto. For example, when formed separately, the first
component 28 can be attached to the first cable 12 at a first
attachment interface, designated by dashed line "A". Likewise, the
second component 30 may be formed as an integral end of the second
cable 14 or formed separately from the second cable and then
connected thereto. For example, when formed separately, the second
component 30 can be attached to the second cable 14 at an second
attachment interface, designated by dashed line "B". In one
embodiment, one of the first and second components 28, 30 is formed
as an integral part of its corresponding cable 12, 14 and the other
component 30, 28 is formed separately from and later connected to
the other cable 14, 12. Components 28, 30 formed separately from
the corresponding cable 12, 14 may be attached to the cables in
various ways without departing from the scope of the present
invention. For example, it is contemplated that separately formed
components 28, 30 may be bonded (not shown) to the cable 12, 14. It
is also contemplated that separately formed components 28, 30 have
shapes that compliment shapes of the cables 12, 14 so the connector
and the cable can be secured together using the complimentary
shapes. For example, the components 28, 30 and cables 12, 14 can
have complimentary threads for screwing one into the other for
attachment.
[0021] The first component 28 includes a recess 34 having an edge
36 and the second component 30 includes a projection 38. The recess
34 and the projection 38 may be formed in various ways. For
example, the recess 34 and the projection 38 may be formed by
chemical etching or mechanical abrasion. In one embodiment, at
least some of a surface of each component 28, 30 is polished to
ensure a smooth fit between the first component, the second
component, and the optomechanical element 32 and allow signals to
propagate better through the connector 10.
[0022] The recess 34 and the projection 38 may have various shapes
and dimensions without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In one embodiment, the recess 34 and the projection 38
are generally circular or round. Although the recess 34 may have
other diameters 40 (shown in FIG. 2) without departing from the
scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the recess has a
diameter of between about 30 micrometers and about 80 micrometers.
Although the projection 38 may have other diameters 42 without
departing from the scope of the present invention, in one
embodiment the projection has a diameter that tapers between a
minimum of between about 3 micrometers and about 7 micrometers
adjacent a top 44 (shown in FIG. 3) of the projection and maximum
of between about 6 micrometers and about 10 micrometers adjacent a
bottom 46 of the projection. In one embodiment, the projection has
a height 48 that is slightly greater than a depth 50 of the recess
to ensure that the projection 38 contacts a bottom 52 of the recess
36 when the connector 10 is assembled. For example, in one
embodiment, the projection 38 is about 0.1 micrometer taller than
the depth 50 of the recess 34. Although the projection 38 may have
other heights 48 without departing from the scope of the present
invention, in one embodiment the projection 38 has a height of
between about 0.3 micrometers and about 0.7 micrometers. For
example, in a particular embodiment, the projection 38 has a height
of about 0.5 micrometers. Although the recess 34 may have other
depths 50 without departing from the scope of the present
invention, in one embodiment the recess has a depth of between
about 0.2 micrometers and about 0.6 micrometers. In a particular
embodiment, the recess 34 has a depth 50 of about 0.4
micrometers.
[0023] The optomechanical element 32 has a cavity 56 and a
periphery 58 and the cavity has an outer rim 60. The optomechanical
element 32 has a radial thickness 62 extending between the cavity
56 and the periphery 58. As shown in FIG. 4, the cavity 56 of the
element 32 is positioned around the projection 38 of the second
component 30 and the periphery 58 of the element is positioned
adjacent the edge 36 of the first component 28 when the connector
10 is assembled. The cavity 56 and the periphery 58 of the
optomechanical element 32 have dimensions and shapes corresponding
to the shapes of the projection 38 and recess 34, respectively.
Thus, in one embodiment, the cavity 56 and periphery 58 are
generally circular. Although the optomechanical element 32 may have
other dimensions without departing from the scope of the present
invention, in one embodiment the element cavity 56 has a diameter
64 (shown in FIG. 3) of between about 3 micrometers and about 10
micrometers, the element periphery 58 has a diameter 66 of between
about 30 micrometers and about 80 micrometers, and the element has
a longitudinal thickness 68 of between about 0.2 micrometer and
about 0.4 micrometers.
[0024] Although the optomechanical element 32 may be made of other
materials, in one embodiment the element includes nanotubes
embedded in an elastomeric material matrix (not shown in detail).
Nanotubes are two-dimensional crystalline sheets of atoms that have
been rolled up and connected at a seam to form a closed cylinder.
For example, carbon nanotubes are hexagonally shaped arrangements
of carbon atoms that have been rolled into tubes. The element 32
may include more than one type of nanotube. Some types of nanotubes
have been found to change dimensions and/or shape in response to
stimulus, such as light. For example, carbon nanotubes have been
found to decrease in size when exposed to light. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, when many sensitive
nanotubes are embedded in a compliant matrix, the entire matrix
will change a dimension and/or shape as the individual nanotubes
change dimension and/or shape. A particular type of reaction the
optomechanical element 32 has to a stimulus depends on a type or
types of nanotubes used, a number of nanotubes used, a ratio of the
nanotubes to the amount of matrix material used, a distribution of
the nanotubes in the material matrix, and a type of material matrix
used. In one embodiment, the element 32 includes millions of
photosensitive carbon nanotubes embedded in a soft plastic. As will
be apparent to those skilled in that art, particular materials for
the matrix can be determined through experimentation.
[0025] Separation techniques can be used to select nanotubes having
particular qualities. For example, a sample of a variety of
nanotubes can be separated depending on any of various
characteristics, such as size, shape, and/or dimensions, to select
a sub sample of nanotubes to be used. The sub-sample may have
performance characteristics that vary from the general sample. For
example, a sub sample can be created that is sensitive to light of
a predetermined wavelength and/or generally insensitive to light of
another wavelength. In one embodiment, the optomechanical element
32 changes a dimension and/or shape when exposed to light having a
wavelength between about 650 nm and about 690 nm and/or remains
substantially the same when the element is exposed to light having
a wavelength of between about 1,500 nm and about 1,600 nm.
[0026] Assembling the connector 10 for use includes positioning the
optomechanical element 32 between the first component 28 and the
second component 30. Steps for assembling the connector can be
performed in various orders. For embodiments where the connector
components 28, 30 are formed separately from the cables 12, 14, the
connector 10 may be assembled before or after the components are
connected to the cables. For example, the components 28, 30 and
optomechanical element 32 can be assembled and then attached to the
cables 12, 14. Alternatively, the components 28, 30 can be attached
to the cables 12, 14 before assembling the connector 10. Further,
the connector 10 can be partially assembled and then attached to
the cables 12, 14. For embodiments where the connector components
28, 32 are integral parts of the respective cables 12, 14, the
components only need to be attached together with the
optomechanical element 32 between them. In these embodiments, the
optomechanical element 32 may be attached to the first component 28
and then to the second component 30 or attached to the second
component first and then to the first component.
[0027] Positioning the optomechanical element 32 adjacent the first
component 28 includes positioning the element in the recess 34 of
the first component. The element 32 is positioned in the recess 34
so the periphery 58 of the element is disposed adjacent the edge 36
of the recess. Positioning the element 32 adjacent the second
component 32 includes positioning the cavity 56 of the element
around the projection 38 of the second component. Because connector
10 operation depends on interaction between the element 32 and the
components 28, 30, it is important to ensure contact between them.
Specifically, the rim 60 of the cavity should firmly contact the
projection 38 and the periphery 58 should firmly contact the edge
36 of the recess 34. In one embodiment, the periphery 58 of the
optomechanical element 32 continuously contacts the edge 36 of the
second component 30 around the entire recess 34 and the rim 60 of
the optomechanical element contacts the projection 38 continuously
around the projection. The tapered design of the projection 38 of
the second component 30 ensures a tight connection between the
element 32 and the second component. Specifically, the element 32
and the projection 38 are sized and shaped so the element becomes
increasingly snug against the projection as the element is slid
down around the projection.
[0028] One manner to ensure a snug fit between the optomechanical
element 32 and the components 28, 30 is to temporarily contract or
shrink the element during positioning. The element 32 may be
shrunk, positioned as desired adjacent the components 28, 30, and
then allowed,to expand in position. The optomechanical element 32
temporarily shrinks when it is exposed to light to which it is
sensitive. The light used for shrinking the optomechanical element
32 for positioning can be produced by, for example, a portable
light source (not shown) that can easily be moved around a
manufacturing area and outdoors for use. The element 32 may be
shrunk before or after it is positioned around the projection 38.
After the preshrinking light is removed from the optomechanical
element 32, the element will return to its default dimensions. The
amount of time it takes for the element 32 to return to its default
dimensions depends on the type of photosensitive material used and
the type of light applied. An assembler of the connector 10 must
position the element 32 in the recess 34 before the element has
returned to its default dimension. In one embodiment, the assembler
will have between about 20 seconds and about 90 seconds after the
element 32 is removed from the shrinking light to position the
element 32 in the recess 34 before the element expands too much to
fit in the recess. After the element 32 is preshrunk by the light,
positioned in the recess 34, and removed from the light, the
element 32 will naturally expand to tightly fit against the edge 36
of the recess. The tightly fitting optomechanical element 32 is
said to be pre-loaded in the connector 10 because the element will
be applying a load against the components 28, 30 when the connector
is in its default state.
[0029] Whether the first and/or second components 28, 30 are
integral to or formed separately from the corresponding cables 12,
14, the cables are connected together using a fastening system (not
shown). The fastening system may include fasteners conventionally
used to connect fiber-optic cables. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, a ferrule-type fastener including springs that
allows the first and second components 28, 30 to touch can be used
to secure the cables 12, 14 together.
[0030] An assembled connector 10 includes a path 70 through which
the light can travel when being transmitted from the first cable 12
to the second cable 14. The light path 70 is generally coextensive
with the core 20 of the first cable 12 because the light propagates
to the connector 10 from that core. As shown in FIG. 5A, the
connector 10 is configured so that a portion 72 of the
optomechanical element 32 protrudes into the light path 70 passing
through the connector when the first component 28 and the second
component 30 of the connector are misaligned. When the connector
components 28, 30 are misaligned, the cable cores 20, 22 are not
aligned and light passing through the connector 10 will contact the
protruding portion 72 of the optomechanical element 32. When the
protrusion 72 of the optomechanical element 32 is exposed to light,
the element changes a dimension and/or shape. Specifically, as
shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the protrusion 72 is exposed to
light, the radial thickness 62 of the element 32 adjacent the
protrusion decreases by an amount A proportional to an amount the
element is exposed to the light. Because the element 32 is
preloaded against the edge 36 of the recess 34 and the projection
38, a decrease in the radial thickness 62 at one portion of the
element 32, such as at the protruding portion 72, results in an
increase in radial thickness at a portion 74 of the element that is
opposite the first portion. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, as the
protruding portion 72 decreases in size and the opposite portion 74
increases in size, the opposite portion pushes the projection 38
towards the portion 72 that was protruding. In this way, the
optomechanical element 32 changes a dimension and/or shape when
exposed to light to move the second component 30 with respect to
the first component 28 to align the connector 10 and, thereby,
align the cables 12, 14.
[0031] As described above, the optomechanical element 32 may be
made of a material that changes a dimension and/or shape in
response to light having a predetermined wavelength but does not
change dimensions nor shape when exposed to light having another
wavelength. Light sent through the cables 12, 14 and connector 10
can include light having a signal or communication wavelength and
light having a control wavelength. When a portion 72 of the
optomechanical element 32 protrudes into the light path 70, the
light having the control wavelength causes the element to shrink
adjacent the protrusion. In one embodiment, while the light having
the control wavelength encounters the element 32, the light having
the signal wavelength continues past and through the element and
into the second component 30 and second cable 14 without affecting
element dimension and/or shape. In this way, the connector can be
aligned during use of the fiber-optic system without interfering
with the data signals being transmitted.
[0032] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0033] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
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